US President Barack Obama on Wednesday expressed his desire to visit Bangladesh during a brief conversation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York.

Obama also praised Hasina for her governmentâ€™s role in addressing the issue of women empowerment and in countering terrorism after a reception hosted by United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon at the visitor's lobby of the UN Headquarters.

Dr Abdul Momen, Bangladeshâ€™s permanent representative to the UN, quoting Hasina said: â€œWhile the two leaders were coming out from the reception, our prime minister praised Obama for his speech at the UN General Assembly saying that he made an excellent speech.â€

In reply, Obama said, â€œIt was okay but a bit long... you and your government are doing an excellent job in empowering women and in countering terrorism,â€ Dr Momen told UNB quoting Hasina.........

Obama should visit Bangladesh since it is an important cog in ISI sponsored terrorism that has the backing of the Jamaait, which is allied to the Opposition Party BNP, of which Khaleda Zia is the boss.

There is no doubt that the Hasina govt has struck hard on the Islamist terrorists.

However, her policies and being pro India, apparently has not gone down well with some of the Bangladeshis, mostly the Bihari elements who feel that the Liberation was a mistake and should not have been done. Sadly for these Biharis, Pakistan which promised to take them to Pakistan has abandoned them realising that they are most unreliable and untrustworthy to become Pakistanis. Hence, their grouse against anything India.

Bangladesh is doing well. However, all help must be given as MMS has indicated by removing the tariff barrier on a host of items on which Bangladesh's economy depends.

India, because of its indifference to Bangladesh, apparently has allowed the anti India sentiments to foster.

Certainly while we have a pro India govt in BD, we should make all the right moves to get BD back in favorable terms with India. Apart from the ISI, the Chinese too are trying their best to string their pearls. I am sure if Khaleda Zia was leading that country, China would have gobbled up BD. India has to play the game well.

If at all GOI will ever substantially trust americans for another joint op. While I'm not in favor of allowing US influence in south asia, still I must say that CIA/SFF should infiltrate BD to dismantle happy-houses of middlemen working for pak,china.